California could become the first state to require social media warning labels

A new California bill could require social media platforms to display warning labels about the potential risk to kids and teens. The bill (AB 56), introduced by Assembly member Rebecca Bauer-Kahan and California Attorney General Rob Bonta, is meant to help address “the growing mental health crisis” among young people.

If passed, social networks would have to show a “black box warning” to all users, regardless of age, during their first time using the platform. The warning, which platforms must display for 90 seconds or more, would then show up at least once a week following its initial appearance.

After issuing a public advisory about social media platforms last year, US Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy proposed putting tobacco-like warning labels on social networks in response to studies that link social platforms to mental health issues in young people. Nearly 40 US states announced their support of the proposal in September.

“Social media companies have demonstrated an unwillingness to tackle the mental health crisis, instead digging in deeper into harnessing addictive features and harmful content for the sake of profits,” Attorney General Bonta said in the press release. “Warning labels alone are not a panacea, they are another tool in the toolbox to address the growing mental health crisis and protect future generations of children.”

In October, Bonta and several other state attorneys general filed a lawsuit against TikTok over claims it hurts the mental health of children by designing addicting features and promoting things like beauty filters. Meta is also facing a lawsuit from dozens of states, alleging the company misled users about the safety of its products.

While some states have moved forward with their own laws regulating the use of social media, state attorneys general are urging Congress to pass the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA).